How to open a BoursoBank account in France: procedures, fees, and required documents

If you’re an expat living in France and want to open a local online bank account, BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama) could be an option to consider. Below you’ll find all the information you need: how to open a current account, a joint account, an investment account, or even an account for teenagers.

If you're also looking for an account that’s suitable for both everyday life and international travel, consider a Wise account: it allows you to make withdrawals, payments, and transfers at the mid-market exchange rate, helping you reduce international bank fees.

Discover the Wise account

How to open a BoursoBank account?

To open a BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama) account, you must already hold an active bank account in your name at another institution. This is a mandatory requirement.¹

However, you don’t need to have your salary paid into BoursoBank, and there’s no minimum income required for a current account.

Download the app

Visit the BoursoBank website and click on “Open a bank account” in the top right corner of the homepage.

Fill out the short form with your name, surname, and phone number. You’ll then receive an SMS with a link to download the app.

You can also download it directly from Google Play or the App Store — just make sure your phone’s operating system is up to date.

Register online

Once the app is installed, fill out the required details and upload your supporting documents:

• Proof of identity: European or Swiss ID card (front and back), European or Swiss passport (main page), or French residence permit (front and back).
• Bank account details (RIB): This must come from an account in your name, held at a bank in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK, or a French overseas department.
• A selfie.

Finalize registration

After uploading your documents, simply e-sign your contract and make the initial deposit.

You can already use your virtual wallet for payments while waiting for your physical card to arrive at your home address.

Can you open a BoursoBank account without a RIB?

No — you cannot open a BoursoBank account without a Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB). This means you must already have an account at another bank before applying.

If you don’t provide a valid RIB, your application cannot be completed.¹

The RIB must come from an account held within the European Economic Area, or from another eligible country.

How to open a BoursoBank account with a referral?

If someone you know already has a BoursoBank account, you can use their referral link to open yours and both receive a bonus. Here’s how it works:²

• Click the invitation link sent by your referrer.
• Complete the online form and upload your supporting documents.
• Make your initial deposit to activate your account.
• Once everything is validated, both you and your referrer receive the referral bonus.

How to refer others with your BoursoBank account

Once you’ve opened your account, you can also invite others and earn rewards.

Simply go to your customer area, find your referral link, and share it by email, WhatsApp, or social media.²

If your contacts use your link and open an account, you both receive a bonus, provided you meet the offer conditions.
You can receive up to 20 referral bonuses within a 12-month period.¹

Note: you must hold at least one active bank card in your name to be eligible for referrals.

How to open a joint BoursoBank account

You can open a joint account if both account holders are already BoursoBank customers.¹

Here’s how to do it:

• Go to the “Product” section, then click “Bank account.”
• Select “Joint account.”
• A confirmation request will be sent to each applicant.
• Once approved, the new joint account will appear in both customers’ areas within about 3 days.³

Opening a joint account is free, although card conditions apply. Each holder can have their own payment card.

You cannot convert an existing individual account into a joint one — a new account must be opened.

How to open a BoursoBank account for a child under 18

Children aged 12 to 17 can open a “Freedom” account, which includes a current account and a bank card. Other youth products are also available: Livret A Jeune, Compte sur Livret Jeune, and Assurance Vie mineur.

The account must be opened by the legal guardian. Go to your customer area, click “Product” → “Youth,” and follow the steps.¹

If the child is under 12, you can still open a savings account for them — there’s no minimum age requirement.

Wise: a practical alternative for international payments

The Wise account could be a convenient complement to your French account. It offers competitive pricing for international transfers, payments, and currency withdrawals.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate — without hidden markups — for all conversions, helping you save when spending abroad.

Opening an account only takes a few minutes: visit the Wise website or download the app to get started.

Open your Wise account

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.